Much is written about how employers can attract and retain skilled people. Buzzwords like “empowerment” and “career progression” fill recruitment campaigns, yet for many organisations the ladder itself is missing its first rungs.
West Midlands Metro offers a contrasting picture. Its approach to staff development comes into sharp focus through the story of Michael Parkes.
Michael entered the organisation through the government’s Kickstart scheme, bringing a background in CNC engineering but little direct light rail experience. Two years later he holds the position of Assistant Fleet Engineer, responsible for managing two distinct tram fleets, creating diagnostic tools, and presenting on new energy systems. His progression illustrates what happens when a workplace offers genuine responsibility and support rather than token “development opportunities.”
Colleagues describe a culture that values collaboration and practical learning. Technicians and engineers share knowledge freely; managers hand over real projects instead of simulated exercises. Michael highlights the satisfaction of guiding technicians through challenges he once faced, reflecting a workplace where leadership is measured by the ability to support others as much as by job title.
The results are tangible. A fault-finding library developed by Michael has become an essential resource. Processes he helped to establish on older tram systems are cutting downtime and improving reliability. These are not glamorous initiatives but the everyday work that underpins a reliable public transport system — and WMM has given a young engineer the space to improve them.
Michael said: “I want to make a difference so for me a key moment was stepping into my new role and being able to support the team from a different perspective, especially the technicians.
“Having once been in their position myself, I find it incredibly rewarding to pass on knowledge I’ve gained. Whether I’m helping them to get a better understanding of how a system works, guiding them in the fault diagnosis, or simply being someone they can turn to for practical advice, I feel that what I’m doing is important and that I’m making a difference.”
Individuality is also part of the picture. Michael’s degree in music technology, his guitar playing and kickboxing are not treated as distractions but as traits that bring creativity, focus and discipline into his engineering role. Many employers claim to welcome the “whole person”; WMM appears to make room for it.
Matthew Bardsley, Rolling Stock Production Manager, said: “I first saw something special in Michael when I took him on as a maintenance technician following the completion of his Kickstart programme. His enthusiasm for engineering and positive attitude made it clear he would be a great fit for our team.
“Since then, Michael has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to his development and to supporting those around him, even stepping up as a deputy team leader. His drive to learn and grow has played a key role in his transition into the role of assistant fleet engineer, a position he has taken on with impressive confidence and capability.”
In a sector where skills shortages dominate headlines, WMM’s culture shows that organisations can build their own pipeline of talent. By trusting people early, encouraging curiosity and letting them learn in public, it develops staff who not only perform their jobs but shape them.
Michael Parkes’ journey is more than an isolated success story. It stands as a quiet argument for a different way of working — one where “a great place to work” means more than perks. At West Midlands Metro it seems to mean giving people their first real chance, fostering shared learning and creating the space to grow into something bigger.
Matt Knight, Michael’s manager, said “Recently, the company has released its new vision, and it’s as though Michael was part of the team chosen to generate and decide on the values. He is the epitome of these, demonstrating them on numerous occasions each day.
“Michael brings a level of calm professionalism to his role and, as such, to the team. Colleagues can bring challenges and problems to Michael and no matter what he has on his plate, no matter how heavy his workload is, he always takes time to listen and is thoughtful and respectful to all.”
